Backpacking | Challenged Hiking

Trail Registers for Beginners – Anatomy and Why to Use Them

May 22, 2018July 7, 2018 For Beginners, Tips Backpacking, Hiking, Safety, Trail Registers, Trip Planning, Winter Hiking

Most maintained trails have a trail register and possibly a kiosk. In our many years on the trail we have observed back-country travelers faithfully sign-in and out providing valuable information for authorities. We have also

Staying Organized as You Break Camp

November 22, 2016November 22, 2016 Camping, Skills & FAQS Backpacking, Camping

Have you lost stuff on your backcountry trips? We see it, items left at the trailhead waiting for owners to “return” and get them. Usually minor items. One outing we were coming from Cascade Mountain

Places to Camp on the Catskill’s Escarpment Trail

August 28, 2016October 22, 2018 Backpacking, Camping, Catskills, Hiking, Venture Out Backpacking, Batavia Kill Lean-to, Batavia Kill Trail, Dutcher Notch, Elm Ridge, Elm Ridge Lean-to, Escarpment Trail, North-South Lake Campground, Tenting, Wilderness camping

The Catskill’s Escarpment Trail has been a favorite for hikers for generations. It’s ruggedness and wilderness feel will appeal to almost any outdoor enthusiast. Along its 23-mile length, the trail winds over 7 mountains with a high

Blog post: 5 Common Misconceptions About the Catskills

March 29, 2016August 30, 2016 Backpacking, Catskills, Fire Towers, Hiking, Venture Out Backpacking, Blackhead Mountain, Blackhead Range, Burroughs Range Trail, Catskill Fire Tower Project, Catskill lodging, Catskill tourism, Devil's Path, Escarpment Trail, Fishing, Ice climbing, Skiing

The Catskills were once “America’s First Wilderness”. Even though not thought of true wilderness today the Catskills are still plenty wild! Being only a 2.5-hour drive from NYC, it makes the Catskills a prime destination for

Winter’s Coming: Essential Winter Fire Lighting Techniques

October 13, 2015September 26, 2016 For Beginners, Skills & FAQS, Tips Backpacking, Camp Fires, Hiking, Survival Skills, Winter Camping Skills, Winter Fire Lighting Techniques

I had to laugh. I wondered if the music at the start had something to do with how easy it was to start the fire. But really, great video on a subject that’s not well